B&B in Big D (Duluth, That Is)

I admit to being mildly nervous about this week’s post. Strangely, I have traveled more nationally, and even internationally, than within the confines of our very own Land of 10,000 Lakes. So I suspect that many readers will feel like I can’t tell them anything they don’t already know. That may be true, but I’ll give it the old college try…

Narrowing The Focus

The drive into Duluth from the south offers one of those great “ah-ha” moments in travel. As you round the bend on 35, high above the city, you get that great vista, and you know you have arrived.

Duluth has a lot to recommend it, most of which you probably already know about. Canal Park. The Lift Bridge. Glensheen Mansion. The Great Lakes Aquarium. The North Shore.

A fairly new addition to the list of things to do in summer in Duluth, in just its third year, is the Sieur Du Luth Summer Arts Festival. Offering theatre, opera, jazz, chamber music, and big band sounds, the festival has gained a strong following. It runs from June 26 through August 3 at a wide variety of venues (including the Glensheen Mansion lawn), and my northern sources tell me that the Opera Gala on July 22 will be particularly memorable.

Home Sweet Home

- If you plan to stay in Duluth, may I recommend one of the grand houses in the Mansion District, many of which have been restored to their past glory so that we might enjoy their grandeur.

- The Cotton Mansion was built in 1908 by Joseph Cotton, a highly placed attorney with U.S. Steel and political mover and shaker (he delivered Teddy Roosevelt’s nominating speech in 1904). While close to downtown and Canal Park, the Cotton Mansion is far enough away to really feel away.

- Just across the street from the Cotton Mansion, the Olcott House was built in 1904 for Joseph and Fanny Olcott and their two daughters. Olcott served as president of U.S. Steel, working directly for John D. Rockefeller. After several uses – including a turn as the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Music – the building was converted to a B&B several years ago.

- The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek is one of the few B&Bs that will deliver your second B to your room. If you crave privacy – for whatever reason… nudge, nudge! – this place offers it like few other such accommodations.

A Guy or Gal Has Got to Eat and Drink and Shop, Too

For a classic throwback restaurant, you have to enjoy lunch at The Pickwick. Family-owned and operated since 1914, and with a gorgeous view of Lake Superior, The Pickwick is a classic, offering satisfying comfort food. For a livelier atmosphere that includes live music, and good burgers and sandwiches, I like Fitger’s Brewhouse. The microbrewery offers seasonal beers, too, so pick up a Growler of Witchtree ESB to take with you (always drink responsibly). Finally, for fine dining, I recommend Bellisio’s to people new to Duluth. With probably the best wine list in the city, Bellisio’s food features an Italian flair; the gnocchi is simple, but particularly tasty.

Finally, I can’t write about Duluth and not include a mention of Duluth Pack. It’s one of my all-time favorite stores even though I’m not an outdoorsman. I get more comments about the book bag I bought there than just about anything I have ever owned.

Oh yeah, and dress like an ogre – in layers – even in the summer.